Owner of a Lonely Heart – Yes

In this Licklibrary.com guitar lesson, we dive deep into "Owner of a Lonely Heart" by Yes. This iconic song features innovative guitar techniques that have inspired generations of players. Learning this song note-for-note offers you the opportunity to enhance your guitar skills, adding both depth and variety to your playing style. With a focus on several key techniques, this lesson will help you master one of the most recognisable songs in rock history. Danny Gill breaks down this classic prog-rock track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist Behind the Song

"Owner of a Lonely Heart" features the guitar work of Trevor Rabin, who played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Yes during the 1980s. Rabin’s style is a blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and pop sensibilities. His influence on "Owner of a Lonely Heart" brought a modern, sharp edge to the band's sound, incorporating not only traditional guitar techniques but also innovative studio effects and textures. His use of layered guitars, tapping, and harmonics in this track demonstrates his forward-thinking approach to the instrument, leaving a lasting impact on rock and progressive music.

Rabin’s guitar playing is characterised by both technical proficiency and melodic sensibility. He combines complex guitar techniques with a keen ear for memorable hooks, making him an influential figure in progressive rock and rock guitar playing.

Techniques Covered in "Owner of a Lonely Heart"

Power Chords

The song's iconic riff is built around power chords, providing a solid, driving rhythm. Learning this technique is essential for any guitarist looking to build strong foundational skills in rock music. Power chords are widely used in many genres and can help improve your rhythm playing.

Palm Muting

Throughout the track, Trevor Rabin incorporates palm muting to give the song a percussive edge and tight sound. Palm muting helps create dynamics within your rhythm playing by muting the strings slightly to produce a controlled, muted sound. This technique is especially useful for players looking to add depth and nuance to their rhythm sections.

Pinched Harmonics

One of the standout moments in the guitar part is Rabin's use of pinched harmonics to add character to the song's signature riff. Pinched harmonics produce a high-pitched squeal, adding a unique and expressive layer to your playing. Mastering this technique will allow you to bring more intensity and emotion to your lead work.

Tapped Harmonics

Rabin also utilises tapped harmonics in this song, which involve tapping the strings at specific frets to produce harmonic tones. This technique, while challenging, can add an ethereal and clean sound to your playing. Tapped harmonics are great for expanding your harmonic vocabulary and adding texture to solos and riffs.

String Bending

In the lead sections of "Owner of a Lonely Heart," string bending is used extensively to add emotion and flair to the guitar lines. String bending allows you to change the pitch of a note while playing, making your solos more expressive. Learning to control your bends will improve your lead guitar skills and give you more command over your instrument.

Vibrato

Trevor Rabin’s use of vibrato in this song provides a singing quality to his leads. Vibrato is a technique that involves oscillating the pitch of a note to create a warmer, more resonant sound. This is a vital skill for any guitarist looking to make their lead lines more vocal and emotive.

Arpeggios

In the breakdown sections of the song, Rabin incorporates arpeggios to add complexity and sophistication. Arpeggios involve playing the notes of a chord individually, which helps build a sense of fluidity and movement. Mastering this technique will allow you to add elegance and detail to your rhythm and lead playing.

Tremolo Picking

A rapid tremolo-picked section adds tension and drama to the guitar parts in this song. Tremolo picking involves picking a single note repeatedly at a fast speed. This technique is excellent for building speed and precision in your playing, and it can give your solos a rapid, intense feel.

Whammy Bar Tricks

Trevor Rabin uses the whammy bar to create dramatic pitch dives and rises, adding an explosive quality to certain sections of the song. Mastering whammy bar tricks will not only give you a wider tonal range but also help you add a more adventurous sound to your playing.

Legato

Legato techniques are used to create smooth, flowing lines by hammering on and pulling off notes without picking each one individually. Rabin incorporates this technique in his soloing, making the fast runs sound seamless and fluid. Developing legato technique can enhance your ability to play fast passages with greater efficiency and fluidity.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

• Power Chords: Solid foundation in rock and rhythm guitar playing, ideal for creating strong, driving riffs.
• Palm Muting: Enhances dynamic control, allowing you to create tighter and more nuanced rhythm parts.
• Pinched Harmonics: Adds expressiveness and character to your playing, giving you a broader tonal palette.
• Tapped Harmonics: Expands your ability to create unique, clean harmonic tones for an ethereal sound.
• String Bending: Increases expressiveness in your lead playing, allowing for greater emotional depth.
• Vibrato: Improves the sustain and emotional quality of your lead playing.
• Arpeggios: Adds sophistication to your rhythm and lead playing, allowing for more musical complexity.
• Tremolo Picking: Builds speed and precision in your playing, perfect for adding intensity to solos.
• Whammy Bar Tricks: Enhances your ability to manipulate pitch and add dramatic effects.
• Legato: Improves speed and smoothness in your playing, helping you execute fast passages more fluidly.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson:

• Vibrato
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Pinched Harmonics
• Tapped Harmonics
• String Bending
• Arpeggios
• Tremolo Picking
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Legato

Guitar Techniques Used in Our Lessons

Here's a list of all the guitar techniques featured in our lessons, each linked to a detailed glossary page for further learning:

• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Power Chords
• Harmonics
• String Bending

Licklibrary.com is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive lessons and resources to enhance every aspect of your guitar playing. Dive into "Owner of a Lonely Heart" and discover the joy of mastering this song while enriching your musical journey.